SPRING 2015 11
Our client base grew over 40% in 18 months and at the same time our donors were having trouble maintaining their previous level of support. Like most agencies, we struggled with how to encourage clients to apply for SNAP. Our solutions were to continue assisting the clients but at the same time to require them to apply for any other assistance that they may qualify for. This includes SNAP, WIC, TANF and child support.
So, starting last year, we developed a policy that requires clients to apply for SNAP and to provide us with either an award letter or denial letter if they want to continue receiving food from our pantry. New clients are routinely given 30 days from the date of their enrollment in the food pantry to comply but, they are allowed to receive food during those 30 days. Obviously, the policy is flexible enough to continue supporting our homeless population of about 3% and extensions are granted as needed where clients have applied for but not yet received a SNAP decision.
We developed a new form for counselors that are used to track compliance and give clients a take-home checklist of what is needed and when it is needed by. Counselors discuss ways that clients can boost their food availability through SNAP, WIC and assistance in collecting child support. We keep English and Spanish SNAP applications on hand and will assist clients in filling them out, provide clients with location and telephone numbers to the SNAP assistance center, and provide computers for clients to interface with SNAP, Social Security and other social agencies.
Shelf toShelf
SNAP Helps Stretch
Food Dollars
By Judy Moore, Executive Director Ministerial Alliance Sulphur Springs
Click To Enlarge and Print
This Partner Agency does a great job of working directly with their NTFB SNAP Assistance Coordinator. If you would like to have a member of our Social Services Team help your clients apply for SNAP, TANF, and other programs please email SNAPteam@ntfb.org.
